Angel Di Maria has announced his retirement from the Argentine national team, which he played for 16 years, after leading his country to become champions of the Copa America 2024.
Argentina successfully defended its title after beating Colombia in the final round with a score of 1-0 at Hard Rock Stadium, Monday (15/7/2024) morning WIB.
The only goal was scored by Lautaro Martinez who came off the bench in extra time, responding to an accurate through ball from Giovani Lo Celso before firing past Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas in the 112th minute.
The win, which moved Argentina ahead of Uruguay after both teams had won 15 Copa titles, marked Di Maria’s final international match.
After the match, Di Maria said he had dreamed that he would retire from the Argentine national team by winning the 2024 Copa America title and his plans seemed to be going smoothly.
“Actually, it’s difficult to explain, it’s written like that,” said Di Maria.
“I told the players last night at dinner that I dreamed about it. That’s why I said it was my last Copa America.”
In the match against Colombia, the 36 year old player was able to put on an extraordinary performance.
It is recorded that Di Maria leads all Argentine national team players in terms of opportunities created (three), dribbles (five) and possession of the ball in the final third (two).
“I dreamed that we made it to the final and we won it so I could go this way,” continued Di Maria.
“I will always be grateful to this generation that gave everything to me, helped me win what I wanted and today, I will leave this way. Nothing could be better.”
While in uniform with the Argentine national team, Di Maria has participated in four World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022), reached the final in Brazil 2014 and finally won the World Cup in Qatar 2022.
In the Copa America, this player from Rosario appeared in consecutive finals (2015 and 2016), but failed to win the title after losing to Chile on both occasions.
He finally lifted the continental trophy in 2021, scoring the decisive goal against Brazil at the iconic Maracana, and then secured back-to-back titles in 2024.
In addition to his achievements in the senior national team, Di Maria won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2007 and won a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, further cementing his legacy in the history of Argentine football.
